Cheap healthy meals for university students

Written by rebekah worsham

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Introduction

Introduction

Cheap healthy meals for university students

It's no secret that most university students are on a budget. But inexpensive food does not have to mean unhealthy meals. By becoming a bit more creative and trading the greasy fast food burgers for healthier choices, uni students can learn to watch both their wallets and their waist lines.

Inexpensive food does not have to mean cheap fast food. (Getty Thinkstock)

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Pasta

University students love foods that are simple and tasty. Both can be accomplished with one of the most versatile foods on the planet: pasta. Not only is pasta quick and easy to prepare, but it is also one of the most inexpensive foods available. Better yet, when eaten in moderation, pasta can prove to be a much healthier alternative to fast food. A box of angel hair pasta or vermicelli can provide a deliciously healthy meal with plenty of leftovers.

Pasta is a healthy choice that can be made into multiple meals. (Pasta image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com)

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Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent alternative to greasy burgers or hot dogs and are much more versatile. A bag of frozen boneless breasts can be used to make several meals, which is great for students who are trying to make their pennies stretch. For lunch, try grilling a chicken breast and making a sandwich with a whole grain bun and some lettuce and sliced tomato. For dinners, topping a broiled chicken breast with shredded low-fat mozzerella cheese and chopped, pre-cooked bacon will make an excellent and hearty main dish.

Chicken is an excellent, inexpensive and versatile alternative. (chicken image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com)

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Soups

Soups are no longer just found in the traditional chicken-and-noodle flavours. Today's soups can be meals in themselves and are easy on the budget. From chilli to creamy potato soup, the options are plentiful for a filling meal that is easy on the wallet and the waist line. For an even healthier option, go for lower salt varieties, including those flavoured with sea salt. They provide all the flavour with less sodium.

Today's soups are tasty and full of variety. (soup image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com)

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Breakfast items

While items such as doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches can be easy on the wallet, they are sometimes hard on the scale. Try filling but healthier and inexpensive alternatives such as flavoured oatmeal or yoghurt for a quick morning treat. Whole grain bagels topped with cream cheese also make for good breakfast ideas.

Oatmeal is healthy and filling and comes in many flavours. (oatmeal with brown sugar and blueberries image by David Smith from Fotolia.com)